Garden Feature Wall with Slate and Patterned Tiles
Step-by-step guide made from Tidybricks patio restore's YouTube video.
This project demonstrates how to build a decorative outdoor feature wall. The wall is constructed with a block core, then clad with sections of slate veneer tiles and pillars of patterned ceramic tiles, and finally capped with coping stones.
- Difficulty: intermediate
Safety
- Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when cutting tiles with an angle grinder or wet saw to protect against flying debris and silica dust.
- Use caution when working with chemical primers and adhesives. Ensure good ventilation and wear appropriate gloves.
Must know before you build
- Crucially, prime both wall and tile backs with Sika Primer-3 N for strongest bond.
- Sika Primer-3 N is corrosive; use only metal or glass containers to prevent melting plastic.
- Apply Sikaflex adhesive away from tile edges to prevent squeeze-out and messy joints.
- Smooth mitered tile edges with an angle grinder polishing pad for clean corner finishes.
- Cut a drip groove into coping stone undersides to prevent water runoff staining the wall.
Tools
- Paintbrush
- Caulk gun
- Angle grinder
- Wet tile saw (optional)
- Measuring tape
- Square
Materials
- Slate Verter tiles (Slate veneer, Slate Vera color)
- Sika Primer-3 N (1000ml, Primer, Sika, 300ml)
- Sikaflex EBT+ Adhesive Sealant (Adhesive, Sika, 300ml)
- Patterned ceramic tiles
- Coping stones
- Mortar
- Marshall's Primer (Primer/Admixture, Marshalls)
Step by step
Step 1: Review Materials
Review the slate veneer tiles and how they will blend with the existing patio.
- Introduce the Slate Tiles. Examine the Slate Verter tiles, noting their color and how they will complement the existing Casarta slate patio.
Step 2: Prepare Primer and Adhesive
Prepare the Sika primer and Sikaflex adhesive for application, and find a suitable container for the primer.
- Review the Primer and Adhesive. Identify the Sika Primer-3 N and the Sikaflex EBT+ adhesive. This system is designed to work together to bond the tiles to the wall.
- Find a Suitable Primer Container. Pour the primer into a container for easy application with a brush. Be aware that the primer can dissolve some types of plastic.
- Watch out: The primer is a strong solvent and can melt through thin plastic containers. Use a metal, glass, or chemical-resistant plastic container to hold it.
Step 3: Apply Primer to Wall and Tiles
Apply a coat of primer to both the wall surface and the back of each slate tile to ensure strong adhesion.
- Prime the Wall. Using a paintbrush, apply an even coat of the Sika primer to the entire section of the wall where tiles will be installed.
- Prime the Back of the Tiles. Apply a coat of primer to the back of each slate tile before you apply the adhesive.
- Tip: For the strongest bond, you need to prime both the wall and the back of the tile.
Step 4: Install the First Rows of Slate Tiles
Cut the starter tiles to create a staggered pattern, apply adhesive to the back, and press them firmly onto the primed wall.
- Cut the Starter Tile. Trim the interlocking edge off the first tile to create a straight, flat edge to start the first row against the pillar.
- Apply Adhesive to the Tile. Using a caulk gun, apply beads of Sikaflex EBT+ adhesive to the back of the primed tile. Apply it to the middle sections, avoiding the top and bottom edges.
- Tip: Apply adhesive only to the middle strips of the tile, not right up to the edges. This prevents messy squeeze-out when you press it against the wall.
- Set the First Tile. Carefully place the tile onto the wall and press it firmly into place. Do not use a hammer, as the slate is fragile.
- Watch out: Do not use a hammer to tap the slate tiles into place, as they are brittle and will break. Use firm hand pressure only.
Step 5: Continue Tiling the Wall Panels
Continue the process of cutting, priming, applying adhesive, and installing the slate tiles to fill in the three main panels of the feature wall.
- Stagger the Joints. To create a more random and natural look, cut starter pieces of different lengths for each row to stagger the vertical joints.
- Tip: To avoid a repetitive, uniform look, stagger the joints by starting rows with tiles of different lengths. This breaks up the vertical lines and looks more natural.
- Common mistake: Using the same pattern for every row can create noticeable vertical lines that detract from the natural stone look.
- Measure and Cut End Pieces. As you reach the end of a row, measure the remaining gap and use an angle grinder to cut a tile to the required length.
- Continue Tiling Up the Wall. Repeat the process of priming, applying adhesive, and setting tiles, working your way up to complete the first two panels.
Step 6: Complete the Final Wall Panel
Finish tiling the last of the three main wall panels, completing the slate cladding.
- Tile the Final Panel. Continue the tiling process: priming, gluing, and setting the slate tiles, to complete the third and final panel of the feature wall.
Step 7: Prepare to Install Coping Stones
Prepare the coping stones and mix mortar with a primer admixture to create a strong bond for setting the stones.
- Prepare Mortar Mix. Mix a bed of mortar for the coping stones. Add a primer/admixture like Marshall's Primer to the mix to ensure a very strong bond.
Step 8: Install the Coping Stones
Apply a bed of mortar to the top of the wall and pillars, then set the coping stones in place.
- Lay the Mortar Bed. Apply a thick, even layer of the prepared mortar onto the top of the pillars and wall sections.
- Set the Coping Stones. Carefully place the coping stones onto the mortar bed, pressing them down firmly to set them in place.
Step 9: Cut a Drip Groove in the Coping
Use a wet saw to cut a drip groove into the underside of the coping stones to manage rainwater runoff.
- Cut a Drip Groove. Using a wet tile saw, cut a shallow groove along the underside of the coping stones. This will act as a drip edge, preventing rainwater from running down the face of the wall.
- Tip: Cut a shallow 'drip groove' on the underside of your coping stones. This channel will catch rainwater and force it to drip off, rather than running down and staining the face of your wall.